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Self storage can be an important asset in protecting and preserving private information, but only if certain steps are taken. When planning to archive business or personal documents in a self-storage unit, be sure to consider these tips from Stor-N-More:

 Tip #1: Make sure the security features available at the self-storage facility are optimal:

• Convenient operating hours when you or your employees can access the information
• Keypad entry systems, security cameras, perimeter fencing and lighting should be in good condition
• Although not usually considered a security feature, climate control is essential for protecting documents against extreme temperatures and humidity.

 Tip #2: Pack documents with security and safety in mind

• Make multiple backups of all stored documents and keep them in a separate location
• Consider using locked containers such as file cabinets or firesafes
• Store all documentation on password-protected CD or DVD
• Fill boxes, even if just with packing material – loosely packed materials can shift during transport and lifting
• Packed boxes should weigh no more than 30-50 lbs. for safe lifting

 Tip #3: Preserve paper, videos, DVDs and CDs with proper packing

• Raise boxes off the ground with pallets, wood, plastic or cardboard
• Use airtight packaging to prevent mildew or water damage
• Consider anti-static packaging for videotapes, DVDs and CDs
• Do not use newspaper, as the print can transfer
• Stack boxes with oldest information at the bottom in the back
• Pack for longer than you plan to store – just in case
• When packing files, place binders in between groupings to lend sturdiness
• Label boxes clearly and carefully with waterproof labels / markers

Your Stor-N-More storage facility manager is an excellent resource for additional tips and assistance in protecting your important documents.

Owning large recreational vehicles such as RVs and boats can add a whole new dimension to your lifestyle. But finding a way to store them conveniently and safely can be a big hassle.

Common problems that often plague RV and boat owners include:

• Limited space in a driveway or yard to park the vehicle
• Homeowner association, apartment leasing and municipal parking restrictions
• Protection of the vehicle from damage or theft
• Long travel distances to and from major highways or waterways

The security and convenience of self-storage can be a great solution to these problems. Here are some key benefits of leasing storage space for your RV or boat:

Security – Stor-N-More storage facilities use a combination of keypad entry systems, security cameras, fencing and on-duty management personnel to secure your property.

Protection from the elements – Large vehicles can be stored in open air spaces, covered outdoor spaces or drive-up garages with high ceilings (depending on what the facility has available), giving you the option of choosing how much you would like to shield your property from the weather.

Convenient access – Renting space close to a major thoroughfare means less time and fuel spent getting to and from the fun. Stor-N-More is conveniently located just off the Crosstown Expressway Exit 13.

Stor-N-More large facility allows you to store not just your boat or RV, but all the equipment that goes with it. Adding additional off-site square footage to the storage space you have available in your home makes staying organized easier, and gives you room to move (and add more toys).

Tips for Storing RVs and Boats

• Be sure to check the dimensions of a potential storage unit. Most RVs require 30-40 feet (Stor-N-More Storage RV units typically go up to 45 feet in length.) Some equipment, such as boat trailers, may be too wide for the door of a drive-up unit, so covered parking would be the better option.
• To make sure getting in and out is easy, consider the available room for a large turning radius.
• When considering the amount of space you’ll need to store your large vehicle, be sure to include extra room for all the equipment that comes with it.  A small Self Storage unit may be the right answer for these miscellaneous items.
• Most facilities expect that repairing or extensive maintenance of large vehicles will be done elsewhere.
• RVs and boats must have current license plates. If your tags expire while in storage, your storage facility may ask you to renew them.
• Storage facilities typically require proof of vehicle registration. They may also require proof of insurance, since individual property is not covered by the facility’s insurance.
• When vehicles will be stored indoors over long periods of time, check fuel lines and gaskets, and lay down cardboard or mats to prevent damage to the unit’s floor.
• Vehicles or trailers must have properly inflated tires at all times. Keep an eye on tires that can dry rot or deflate. Restrictions vary by facility, so check with your facility manager about your role in maintaining stored vehicles.

Your storage Stor-N-More facility manager is a great resource to help you make smart choices in self-storage for your RV or boat.

 

Preserving memories and handing down family heirlooms are important parts of family life, but lack of space can turn treasures into clutter. Self storage provides the extra square footage that you need to save things you would otherwise have to sacrifice for lack of space .

To keep your photos, collectibles and mementos in good condition while in storage, consider the following tips:

Packing Photos and Photo Albums

• Always put paper between photographs to prevent them from sticking together (archival-quality paper is recommended – this can be purchased at most photography and craft stores)
• Place a piece of strong cardboard, plastic or wood between groups of loose photos and pack them tightly in boxes to prevent warping
• Only use photo albums that are archival quality
• When placing photo albums, books or magazines in boxes, alternate placing the spine to the right or left
• Seal photos in airtight plastic bags to prevent exposure to moisture
• Label boxes and containers for easy reference

Packing Fragile Collectibles and Mementos

•  Use same-size, quality boxes for easy stacking
• Pad the bottom of boxes with foam sheets used for packing dishes (dishpack)
• Wrap each item separately in clean paper; do not use newspaper (the print can transfer)
• Stack glasses, vases and other tall fragile pieces in rows
• Place double layers of paper between rows of packed items
• Pack items firmly next to each other but not too tightly
• Fill empty spots in boxes with packing peanuts or paper to prevent shifting during transport or lifting
• Cut pieces of boxes or cardboard to use as dividers in boxes to prevent shifting
• Reinforce the bottoms of boxes with extra tape, taping the box tops equally as well in case they topple during transport
• Mark boxes as fragile on all sides
• Use wood, cardboard or plastic to raise boxes off the floor

Climate Control

Climate control is extremely important for the preservation of photographs and photo albums, as it prevents damage from extreme temperatures. (Ask your self-storage facility manager about this option which is often available for moderate additional cost).  

There are many kinds of packing materials specifically designed to preserve valuable and fragile items. At Stor-N-More, our facilities offer professional-quality boxes and supplies for your convenience. Ask your facility manager about how to get the best use out of these materials, and for other creative storage solutions.

Special care should be taken when packing books, magazines, videotapes, CDs and DVDs for storage, as these items are more susceptible to environmental damage such as humidity, dust and yellowing.  Spending time and money in properly packing and organizing these materials is a worthwhile investment.

Whether you’re a book dealer storing inventory, a collector storing comic books, a business storing sensitive data on DVD, or you simply pride yourself on your mammoth CD collection, be sure to keep these tips in mind:

All Print Materials and Media

• Consider using locking storing containers, file cabinets or fire safes
• Use wood, cardboard or plastic to raise storage containers off the floor
• Label boxes and containers for easy reference
• Do not use newspaper for packing – the print can transfer
• Use same-size, quality boxes for easy stacking
• Pack all non-essential items first
• Fill boxes to prevent shifting during transport or lifting
• Pack for long-term storage, even if you plan to only store your items for a couple months, just in case

Books and Magazines

• Climate control is extremely important for the preservation of books and magazines, as it prevents damage from extreme temperatures (ask your self-storage facility manager about this option which is often available for moderate additional cost)
• Place a piece of paper inside the front cover and wrap around to the back cover to prevent sticking (use paper on rolls to make this easier)
• When placing books or magazines in boxes, alternate placing the spine to the right or left
• Seal in archival plastic bags
• Place a piece of strong cardboard, plastic or wood between magazines to prevent warping

 DVDs, CDs, Video Tapes and other Media

• Always pack media in airtight, heavy duty bags or containers
• When possible, store media in the original cases for additional protection
• Anti-static bags are recommended
• Videotapes are particularly sensitive to moisture – package them individually in airtight bags

At Stor-N-More, we have quality packing materials available at our facility for your convenient and proper packing. Ask your facility manager for other important considerations when storing valuable property in your self-storage unit.

Big toys with wheels tend to take up a lot of storage space, which can interfere with the fun of having them, or keep you from owning them at all. However, Stor-N-More Self-Storage can provide as much space for all the ATVs, jet skis, motorcycles, etc. as your pocketbook can handle.

Regardless of how many small-engine vehicles you own, storing them smartly makes for more fun with them…faster. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of different self-storage solutions:

Size and Capacity

• When considering the amount of space you’ll need to store your ATV, jet ski, or motorcycle, be sure to include extra room for all the equipment that comes with it. If you do have protective gear, trailers or car racks, etc. that you wish to store with your small craft, a closed unit would provide necessary containment not offered by a covered outdoor space.
• Be sure to check the width of the door to a potential storage unit. Some equipment, such as double trailers, may be too wide for a drive-up or inside unit, so covered parking would be the better option.

Convenience

• Apartment, housing, or municipal restrictions on parking may cramp your style, but Stor-N-More self-storage provides an easy solution. 
• Most facilities expect that leased space will be used only for storage, and not as a workshop. Repairing or extensive maintenance of small vehicles should not be done at the self storage facility. 
• Vehicles that are required to be licensed must have current license plates. If your tags expire while in storage, your storage facility may ask you to renew them.
• Storage facilities typically require proof of vehicle registration. They may also require proof of insurance, since individual property is not covered by the facility’s insurance.

Safety

• Protection from the elements is a clear benefit of self storage, whether you choose a covered parking spot, a drive-up unit or an inside unit to store your small-engine vehicle. Use accessories like vinyl covers, tire locks and tie downs for additional protection (check with your facility manager to see what tie-down options are available).
• Security features such as entry keypads and security cameras that typically come with self-storage solutions can lend much more peace of mind than parking your two- or four-wheeled toys in your driveway or yard.
• If you are considering covered parking, keep in mind that some facilities may offer a simple aluminum roof while others offer cinder block structures – compare facilities for the solution that suits you best.
• In geographic regions where temperatures reach extremes, consider the option of climate-controlled storage. This option (offered by some facilities at modest additional cost) assures that the temperature in your unit will be kept around 70-80 degrees. The controlled climate prevents damage due to humidity, heat or cold, and provides a comfortable environment in which you can work on organizing or maintaining your vehicles and equipment.
• Always remove as much gasoline as possible from the fuel tank before storing any vehicle, to prevent leaks and fire hazards. Especially when vehicles will be stored over long periods of time, check fuel lines and gaskets, and lay down cardboard or mats to prevent damage to the unit’s floor.
• Any vehicle with wheels (or the trailer on which it arrives or is stored) must be road-worthy. Keep an eye on tires that can dry rot or deflate. Restrictions vary by facility, so check with your facility manager about your role in maintaining stored vehicles.

Your Stor-N-More Self Storage facility manager is a great resource to help you make smart choices in self-storage.

 

Severe hot or cold weather can damage items stored in storage units. Important documentation for your home or business, computer equipment and electronics, wood or leather furniture, photographs, books, clothing, artwork and other valuable possessions can be destroyed if not properly protected. If you live or work in a geographic area with these weather conditions, climate-controlled storage units provide the ideal solution for storing your personal or business-related items.

Climate control maintains a steady temperature of 70–80° using central air conditioning and heat. Maintaining a controlled environment prevents:

• Warping, cracking and splitting
• Rust, yellowing and corrosion
• Mold, mildew and bacteria overgrowth
• Infestation of wasps, mice, termites and other vermin

Climate-controlled storage units are typically part of a finished building with indirect heating and cooling (compared to air conditioners or heaters within individual units). The enclosed environment of these buildings can also provide increased protection from dust, dirt and flooding.

 

How to Choose a Climate-Controlled Space

Follow these three steps to determine whether climate control is an appropriate investment for your needs:

Step 1: Consider Your Geographic Area

As a general rule, the temperature in climate-controlled storage units should not fall below freezing in the winter, or rise above 90°F (32°C) in the summer. If the geographic area where you live or work exceeds 90 degrees in the summer but does not freeze in the winter, air-conditioning would be a viable option to consider. Same with only extreme cold temperatures – a heated storage unit would work well. If your area experiences both extreme hot and cold temperatures, climate control may provide the best benefit.

Step 2: Consider What You Plan to Store  

The following is a list of items commonly stored in Stor-N-More’s climate-controlled storage. Click on an item in the list for tips on how to pack and store these items for best preservation.

 

Home Goods Leather or wood furniture Antiques & heirlooms Clothing Furs Craft supplies Plastics Food stuffs Paintings & other fine art Photographs Musical Instruments Media such as DVDS, CDS, vinyl records, cassettes & 8-track tapes Cameras Televisions & stereos

Equipment Computers & computer parts Video equipment Audio equipment Tools & machines Restaurant equipment Construction supplies Business Items Products & supplies Software, videos, DVDs & CDs Pharmaceutical samples & medical     supplies Archival documents, tax files, & other paperwork Seasonal inventory

If you plan to frequently access your stored items as you add, remove or organize them, keep in mind your comfort when working within your storage unit. A pleasant temperature can make the job much easier.

 

Step 3: Consider the Value of What You Plan to Store

Climate control storage units cost more than standard units. To determine whether the cost is justified, it’s important to assess the value of what you plan to store. If you are packing away electronics, products or equipment that are covered by insurance, and replacing them would mean only an inconvenience, you may decide that a standard storage space is sufficient. If, however, you are storing items of sentimental value or historical documents for your business, the additional cost may be insignificant, especially if it gives you peace of mind. Whether your items would be costly and inconvenient to replace, or irreplaceable, if you are going to pay to store them it is wise to store them well.  

Self-storage is an excellent option for storing overflow of many different types of materials from your home or business. You can think of your storage unit as a second garage or business supply room.

When planning what to store in your unit, whether for business or personal purposes, consider that all storage facilities have restrictions on what they will allow you to store on their premises. This is for the protection of not just you and your belongings, but the facility staff and other customers and their goods. You will be required to sign a lease indicating that you understand and agree to adhere to the rules and restrictions for what items are allowable. As a general rule, any item or material that is considered “inherently dangerous” will not be allowed.  

In preparation for renting a storage unit, make out a preliminary inventory of the items you wish to store. Bring this with you to review with the storage facility manager to make sure you’ll be in full compliance with the list of allowable items. Full disclosure of what you will be storing is required. Or, if you’re not sure if an item is allowed, call the self-storage facility ahead of time to find out. This will prevent any related inconvenience upon arriving at the storage site.

Stor-N-More frequently gets questions about what is acceptable to store. Here is a list of items and materials about which we are commonly asked:

 

Combustible, Flammable, Hazardous or Toxic Materials

Considered “inherently dangerous,” these include gasoline, compressed gas, propane tanks, kerosene, lamp and motor oil, acid, grease, corrosives, fertilizer, paint, cleaners, chemicals, narcotics, or hazardous, toxic or biological waste. Asbestos or products containing asbestos are not allowed. You also cannot store fireworks, explosives, weapons or ammunition.

 

Tires & Vehicles

Storing vehicles is generally acceptable, as long as they are registered, insured and in operational condition. Most facilities will not let you store more than four tires in your self-storage unit because of the cost to dispose of them.

 

Medical/Pharmaceutical Supplies & Equipment

If you are a sales representative, you may find a self-storage unit a convenient place to manage medical supplies and pharmaceutical samples. It is a useful way to keep your products organized and easily accessible without cluttering up your office or filling your car trunk. While most supplies are acceptable, radioactive equipment – or anything that contains radioactive materials – cannot legally be stored.

                                                     

Construction Equipment

If you work in construction, it can be convenient to stop by the storage unit on the way to the site and pick up the equipment you need. However, please check with the self-storage facility before planning to store any construction equipment. Some equipment – for example, equipment used to locate underground water – is prohibited.

 

Perishable Food and Animal Products

Canned foods can be stored in storage units, but perishable food products such as cereals, produce or meats are not allowed. These may spoil or attract pests.

 

Miscellaneous Prohibited Items

Any animals or plants – alive or dead – cannot be stored. Nor can any stolen items. People are not allowed to plug in or use refrigerators, freezers, generators, space heaters or live in storage units.

If you have any question about the items you wish to store, consult the Stor-N-More manager before you pack and arrive at the site.

Packaging and Storage Tips

Stor-N-More Self-storage units don’t have to be a space you visit once or twice a year to dig something out of a stack of boxes. They can be highly organized, easily accessible spaces that free up necessary space in your home or office. To get the most out of them, though, it is best to plan ahead before you start loading up the truck. Here are steps to help you plan:

Step 1: Plan What You Will Store

1. Start by identifying items that will be packed in boxes and stacked. 
2. Prioritize boxed items you will want to access most frequently (they’ll go closer to the front of the unit). 
3. Group by fragility or weight – heavier, sturdier items should be stored on the bottom of stacked items, fragile items on top. 
4. Consider awkwardly-sized items that won’t stack well, including how often you will need to use them, and how heavy they are. 

Step 2: Choose the Right Size Unit

Nobody wants to pay for storage they don’t need. But a little extra room makes moving around within the unit much easier. It also gives you room to add those unplanned items that always seem to pop up.

Our Storage facility managers can be quite helpful in determining how much space you will need. The Stor-N-More Unit Selector is also helpful in calculating size requirements.

 

Step 3: Organize and Pack Your Items with a Plan in Mind

Organizing and efficiently packing your items will take time and concentration. However, the up-front effort will be well worth it when you’re able to easily unload and organize your items at the storage unit. Here are some tips for packing:

Invest in Supplies

• Use boxes, not plastic bags. Boxes are sturdier and stack well, taking up less space. Many moving companies require that goods be packed in boxes for transport. Also, sealed plastic bags can trap humidity which can cause damaging mildew.
• Invest in good quality, sturdy boxes and packing materials. Boxes should be sturdy enough to hold up for years under the weight of the stack. You may be tempted to get boxes for free from supermarkets and liquor stores; however, the mismatched shapes and sizes will impede your ability to organize most effectively. You can buy standard-sized boxes and specialty boxes for items such as TVs, videotapes and pictures.
• For wrapping breakables, paper will do, but bubble wrap can be used repeatedly, is cleaner, and because it is transparent, makes identifying contents easier.
• Most people end up needing more tape than they thought they would when packing. Your self-storage manager can help you estimate how much tape you’ll need for the number of boxes you’ll be packing. Some places sell tape that is pre-labeled.

For your convenience, packing supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap and tape are available for purchase in the office at the Stor-N-More facility.

Packing in Boxes

• Box up everything that you can. Anything left unboxed in a self-storage facility can get dusty.
• Fill boxes to capacity. The contents in half-empty boxes can shift during transport or lifting. Corners and sides can collapse if there’s nothing to support them. Foam peanuts are handy for filling in the gaps in boxes.
• Distribute the weight in packed boxes evenly. Make sure they are not too heavy for you and others who may be lifting them.
• Wrap all fragile items and breakables such as dishes, glasses, ornaments, etc. separately. Pack these items tightly into strong or reinforced boxes, filling any gaps with paper or filler. Mark “Fragile” on any boxes containing breakable items.
• Clearly label all boxes on more than one side so you can easily identify the contents.
• Pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines.

Packing Other Items

• If you plan to store clothes, think about investing in a wardrobe box with a built-in hanging rod. These are available for purchase at in the office at the Stor-N-More facility.
•  Large appliances must be prepared correctly for proper storage:
  • Defrost refrigerators and freezers thoroughly to avoid water damage and mildew growth. Tie down the appliance doors during transport, but leave them slightly ajar once in storage.  
  • Drain washing machines, and tie down hoses and cords before storing them.
  • It’s a good idea to wipe down the inside of appliances with baking soda before you store them to keep them dry.
• Wrap mirrors and pictures in protective covering such as bubble wrap and mark them as “Fragile.” Cardboard corners can be purchased to protect the sharpest, weakest areas of frames.
• If storing photographs, consider a climate controlled unit where temperature fluctuations will not damage your photos. If you do store loose photographs, place them between pieces of clean cardboard and consider taping them together to avoid curling.
• Separate lamp bases and lampshades and wrap them for protection.
• If you’re storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas, consider investing in covers, bags or sheeting for additional protection. Stor-N-More sells large heavy-duty bags for this purpose.
• Vacuum-sealed bags work really well for draperies, bedding, and clothing.
• Electrical equipment such as TVs, stereos, and computers should be packed in their original boxes whenever possible. If using other boxes, choose ones that are as close in size to the original as possible, and fill all gaps with paper. Make sure you secure the player arm of a record player and turntable.
• Disassemble furniture such as beds and tables before you store them. Wrap and cover the separate sections, clearly mark them and keep them together. Keep assembly components such as screws and bolts together in a plastic bag, mark them clearly, and tape the bag to the appropriate piece of furniture. (Use tape that is safe for use on furniture, or tape the bag to an inconspicuous place on the piece.) Cover chair legs with bubble wrap or rags for extra protection.
• Spray your wood furniture with a good quality furniture polish before storing it to give it some added protection.
• Treat leather items with a leather conditioner before you store them.
• Wipe down metal objects and tools with a little oil before storing them to avoid rust formation that can occur when the tools are not used regularly.
• When storing a vacuum cleaner, clean out the bag or canister first; bacteria, mold and vermin can accumulate otherwise.
• When storing an oven as well as a refrigerator, enclose the exposed back area of the appliances to prevent vermin.
• Consider having awkward or heavy pieces such as exercise equipment packed professionally. Talk to your storage facility manager or local pack-and-ship store about options.

As you go, keep an inventory of every item you’ve packed. Ideally, include an estimate of the replacement value of each item you store. Consider taking pictures of valuable items. These steps will help you make accurate insurance claims in case of unforeseen damage or loss.

 

Step 4: Unpack and Arrange Items Efficiently

Before you load up the truck to take your packed items to your self-storage unit, check with the storage facility manager to make sure there is adequate space for the truck to maneuver to your unit.

As you arrive at the facility and begin to unload, arranging your furniture, equipment, boxes, and other odds-and-ends efficiently in your storage unit will make a big difference in maximizing its convenience.

Here are a few tried-and-true suggestions for putting items into your unit:

Plan ahead

• While your storage unit should already be clean and swept out, consider putting down protective canvas sheeting, cardboard or wooden boards on the floor for cleanliness.
• Keep a fold-up step stool in your space for accessing hard-to-reach areas.
• Based on the climate in which you live or work, consider putting down moisture absorbers, deodorizers and/or vermin bait to protect your belongings.
• Frequently-used items should be placed near the entrance for easy access. This holds true for file boxes and other business items, too.
• To ensure security of valuable items such as computers or TVs, place them farthest from the door, with other items concealing them.
• Unload the largest items and place them against the far wall, as well as along the sides of the unit. See if the storage facility has dollies or other machinery that you can use to unload and place these heavy items. Some self-storage companies will offer these free of charge.
• For archived business documents that you won’t need to access frequently, place them against the far wall of the unit.
• When arranging items, leave an aisle space for easy access to your items. You can either leave aisles between your stacks of boxes and furniture, or line up all your furniture and boxes against the outside walls of the unit in a “U” shape, leaving the inside of the U as open space.

For furniture and other large items

• Break down furniture into smaller pieces, if possible. Take the legs off of tables, disassemble bed frames and lean them against the wall, etc.
• Cover furniture with sheets or tarps to protect them against scratches, dust and other damage..
• Store large pieces of furniture vertically to save space. Stand sofas on end when possible.
• If you have room to store a sofa flat, then a loveseat can be placed upside down on top of the sofa, and a table stacked on top of that.
• Chairs can be stacked seat to seat.
• In most cases, you can stack dryers on top of washers.

For odd-shaped, miscellaneous items

• You can tie tools and long-handled items such as rakes, snow shovels and brooms in bundles. Or, put them inside garbage cans to keep them neat.
• Mirrors and framed artwork should never be stored flat, as they can collapse under their own weight.
• Be sure when stacking boxes and containers that you can clearly see the labels you put on them.
• When stacking boxes, always make sure to put the heaviest boxes at the bottom to avoid damage.
• Stack boxes and similarly sized items together to save space.

Be creative

• You can use virtually all of the space in and around your stored furniture, including other items, as places to store more items. Fill anything that’s hollow with items to maximize your available space:
• Furniture drawers are good for storing fragile items
• Stack the shelves of bookcases with books, small boxes and other odds and ends
• Store boxes containing fragile goods inside of wardrobes
• Store pillows, blankets and other bedding inside washers and dryers
• Store clothes inside dresser drawers

You may be thinking that all this planning, preparing and setting up your self-storage unit may seem like a big project. You’ll find the time and effort are worth it, though, when you discover the peace of mind that comes with knowing your belongings are protected, conveniently accessible and well-preserved.